Powering Travel

What do a legendary football coach and a five-star vacation rental have in common? More than you might think!

In this episode of Powering Travel, host Tim Rosolio sits down with two guests to talk vacation rental hosting tips and what separates a good host from a great one. First up is Helen Melluish, VP of Integrated Marketing at Vrbo, who unpacks how the concept of a coach — someone encouraging and focused on discipline and quality — inspired Vrbo's new Marketplace campaign to help hosts raise their standards. Then Tim welcomes Kyle Whittingham, one of the most respected head coaches in college football, to bring that coaching mentality to life. Kyle explains how attention to detail makes a stay memorable, what it means to be "all in," and why consistency is the key to 5-star hosting.

Together, Kyle and Helen make the case that great hosting isn't just about a beautiful property. It's about habits, discipline, and the kind of consistency that keeps guests coming back.

New traveler research is rewriting the rules of vacation rental hosting. Want to know what it says?

In this episode, former Powering Travel host, Brandon Ehrhardt, and Tim Rosolio break down what today's travelers expect from their rentals and how hosts can deliver it. Brandon walks through the non-negotiables that separate a booked-out listing from one collecting dust. He shares why good photos are beyond critical, why 80% of guests expect a reply within the hour, and how a simple proactive check-in message can turn even a broken hot tub into a five-star review. 

He also unpacks why 86% of travelers will pay more for a higher-quality listing, what pricing red flags send guests straight to a competitor, and how to solicit reviews like your business depends on it…because it does.

This episode is for the host ready to level up.

Building a great vacation rental operation takes far more than adding doors or chasing occupancy. 

In this episode, Tim has a candid conversation about what makes excellent operators stand out with Alex Husner and Annie Holcombe, the expert voices behind The Real Women of Vacation Rentals podcast. 



Alex and Annie reflect on how they each found their way into the vacation rental world and what’s evolved in the industry. With Tim, they unpack some of the biggest challenges facing property managers today, including the temptation of growth, the pressures from a crowded market, and the complexity of managing an ever-expanding tech stack. 

The three VR experts also share insights on branding, distribution, AI, and why smaller operators need a strategy over scale. Hit play to discover the future of hospitality.

Season six of Powering Travel kicks off with a deep dive into award-winning hosting.

Expedia Group's Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships, Tim Rosolio, sits down with David Rose, the host of one of Vrbo's 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year. David shares the inspiration behind his Squam Lake retreat in New Hampshire, discussing its mid-century modern design and his hospitality strategy. Together, he and Tim explore what keeps the property booked year after year – a guest experience rooted in comfort, family connection, local charm, and activities for every generation.

For anyone interested in hospitality, vacation rentals, or unforgettable travel experiences, this episode is a master class in intentional hosting.

Powering Travel host Elisabeth Goodridge joined NerdWallet's Smart Travel podcast to discuss how you can make travel more meaningful without overspending or missing out on authentic experiences. Check out the highlights of the episode:

• How do you plan a vacation that feels “worth it” without overspending? What’s the smartest way to turn bank points into long-haul premium flights? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to design trips that maximize satisfaction and meaning without paying top dollar. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the United and JetBlue’s Blue Sky partnership, Delta adding Crunchyroll to seat-back entertainment alongside free Wi-Fi, and what Travis Kelce’s investment in Six Flags could mean for affordable parks.

• Then, Expedia’s “Powering Travel” podcast host Elisabeth Goodridge joins Meghan to talk about how to build memorable trips. She discusses using reviews and trusted communities to find authentic experiences, considering “destination dupes” to avoid overtourism, and budgeting with hidden fees in mind. Meghan and Sally wrap up the episode by answering a listener’s question about using Capital One points on Star Alliance airlines.

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, NerdWallet's free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  

To listen to more Powerting Travel episodes, visit our website and browse all 5 seasons!

Travel demands resilience, and leadership in the travel industry requires even more. Ariane Gorin, Chief Executive Officer of Expedia Group, joins Elisabeth to share her personal journey, leadership philosophy, and perspectives on the future of travel.



Ariane’s path was sparked by a formative childhood trip that ended with her sleeping in a car on the side of a road in Italy, an experience that inspired a career dedicated to making travel more seamless for others. Drawing on her experience, she discusses her perspective on change management and how maintaining authenticity under pressure — the kind that makes diamonds — is one of the most important things a leader can do.

From navigating the upheaval that brought the world to a halt in 2020 to embracing technology and innovation, Ariane offers advice to inspire leaders and insights that will excite any travel lover.

The meals we remember most aren’t just about flavor — they’re about where we are, who we’re with, and the sense of place on the plate.

In this episode, Chef Julian Hagood joins Elisabeth to explore how travel and food intertwine. Julian shares his journey from New York to Seattle, where he transformed an abandoned bodega into one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. 

He reveals some of his favorite dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, rooted in seasonal and local ingredients. Julian also talks about why collaboration with local farmers, fishers, and fellow chefs is the secret sauce behind his menus. It’s the small details that contribute to top-notch hospitality.

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing the world’s best meals or wondered what it takes to create a guest experience worth traveling for, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Travel rewards those who remain curious and immerse themselves in the local culture. For longtime host of “The Amazing Race” Phil Keoghan, missing those opportunities means missing the entire point of the journey.

In this episode, he joins Elisabeth for an inspired conversation about the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of travel. He reflects on his earliest memories abroad and how exposure to diverse cultures shaped his worldview. Phil credits curiosity as the greatest gift he received from his parents, one that continues to fuel his approach to life.

He shares personal stories from the road, along with reflections on hosting over 37 seasons of “The Amazing Race.” From inspiring viewers to explore the world to showing the best of humanity on screen, he talks about how the show has encouraged millions to step outside their comfort zone. 

Finally, Phil speaks to the magic that exists beyond group tours and why the moments when things go “wrong” often become the most meaningful memories. It’s these unexpected stories that leave a lasting impression, shaping not only how we travel but how we live.

Traveling with family can create memories that last a lifetime. But what’s the secret to making those moments truly extraordinary?

Actor and singer Jaime Camil joins host Elisabeth Goodridge to unpack what authentic travel experiences with family look and feel like.

Jaime reflects on how his father sparked his love for travel, teaching him to appreciate the difference between luxurious escapes and genuine, affordable adventures. Now a father himself, he shares how he finds that magic with his own children and what hotels can do to create unique experiences that go far beyond a pool or room service. The answer is simple: the best stays are the ones that immerse families in the local culture.

Ready to see what destinations await? Visit Jaime’s Travel Shop mentioned in this episode! Plus, check out more details of the interview on Expedia Group’s website.

Does a meaningful trip create happiness? Elisabeth sits down with Harvard professor and bestselling author, Arthur Brooks, to explore why travel is one of the most powerful tools we have for building joy. 

Arthur shares what he considers the three "macronutrients" of happiness and how travel delivers them through a change in routine, memory-making, and shared experience. He describes how the best trips — from spontaneous adventures to quiet moments on the beach — involve a little excitement, a little fear, and a lot of meaning.



Tune in to learn the science behind how to make travel memories last and what the travel industry needs to understand about creating real emotional value.